Blizzard Warning Issued For Much Of Iowa With Major Storm Coming

For the second time this week, Iowa is preparing for a major winter storm. Like Tuesday's storm, this next one plans to bring with it plenty of snow.  But this time is predicted to be even worse as the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning.

Following this next storm, Iowa and the rest of the Midwest will be hit with an arctic blast.

We'll see snowfall totals get close to a foot again but the wind and extremely cold temperatures should be your main concern. Prepare yourself for another major winter storm. This is just make-goods for such a mild December.

Blizzard Warning Issued For Much Of Iowa

The National Weather Service of the Quad Cities, Des Moines, and the other NWS offices that cover Iowa have issued a Blizzard Warning for most of Iowa, with the few remaining counties still under a winter storm warning.

The winter storm warning will go into effect starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday.  Then, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday until 12 p.m. on Saturday, January. 12, is when the the blizzard warning is in effect.

How Much Snow Will Iowa Get?

The National Weather Service of the Quad Cities says total snow accumulations will be between 5-10 inches. Ice accumulations will be around one-tenth of an inch.

A lot of this snow is expected to impact northwestern Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes, including Chicago.

When Will The Storm Arrive?

It will be here tonight. Snow will start to fall between 9 p.m. and midnight in the Quad Cities metro. The start and end times will differ if you're north or south of the I-80 corridor.

Officials want you to that travel impacts due to blowing snow are probable to last longer (possibly much longer) after the snow ends Friday night and early Saturday morning. The wind is going to be the reason why travel will be extremely difficult.

Extreme Cold

During the storm on Friday night, we'll see wind gusts up to 50 mph in some areas leading to blizzard-like conditions.

As the air temperature drops and the wind speeds pick up, expect wind chills to get to the single digits on Friday and well below 0° on Saturday.

The extreme cold will kick in Saturday night and really impact the area on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Expect air temperature highs to barely get above 0° those days. This Arctic blast will be very dangerous to anyone caught in it.

Make sure your home and vehicle is prepared before the snow and extreme cold arrive.